Despite a growing awareness and appreciation of hospice care, the concept remains unclear for many people in Cincinnati, Ohio. More than a few associate hospice with death and dying, when in reality, it’s about making the end of life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Hospice care is invaluable to individuals with incurable conditions, and services also benefit their loved ones. Here, we explore the many reasons to consider hospice when the time comes.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice can be thought of as both a philosophy and an approach to care.
The philosophy of hospice is that anyone with an incurable condition should be able to enjoy the final chapter of life in comfort, with their needs and wishes respected. This philosophy of care is the antithesis to the practice of pursuing curative interventions at any cost, even when those measures may very well do more harm than good.
The hospice approach to care involves a collaborative effort, with a team of skilled professionals coming to the patient’s home to provide medical, emotional, social and spiritual support. Incurably ill individuals can receive hospice care at home when they are expected to live for six months or less, but services can continue without interruption for as long as a physician certifies eligibility. Medicare covers the cost for most patients in Cincinnati, but the Ohio Medicaid program, military benefits and most private insurers also pay when the qualifications are met.
The Many Benefits of Hospice Care
As we said above, many people in the Cincinnati area have the wrong idea about hospice care. The advantages aren’t all that well-known, and the association with death often makes patients reluctant to consider hospice. As such, a large number miss out on months of support.
So, what good does hospice care do? Why is it worthwhile at the end of life? Here’s are the positives of hospice:
Familiar Environment
Although hospice services are sometimes provided at local nursing facilities, hospitals and assisted living centers, most Cincinnati patients receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. Remaining in a familiar setting, with family and friends close by, makes for a more enjoyable end-of-life experience.
Comprehensive Care
Those who enter hospice care benefit from the collaborative efforts of several skilled professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists, home health aides and trained volunteers. Working together with the patient and the family, the interdisciplinary team does their utmost to meet the needs of everyone involved.
Personalized Support
With hospice, the end-of-life journey can be a fulfilling and meaningful experience. The plan of care is created by the interdisciplinary team, but only after learning about the wishes, preferences and concerns of the patient and their loved ones. That way, the team is able to provide the right types of support to each individual.
Inner Peace
Hospice care is a holistic approach to care, encompassing physical, emotional, social and spiritual support. Offering complete comfort is the priority, and with the patient’s needs met, they can make the most of their remaining time. Families benefit, too, as everyone can focus on celebrating their loved one’s life.
Care Coordination
With multiple professionals providing care, making all the necessary arrangements for scheduled visits could easily be a headache. That’s not the case, however – the interdisciplinary team handles it all, making plans that suit everyone’s schedule. And, the patient and the family are always kept informed about the agenda.
Financial Relief
Caring for someone with an incurable condition can prove to be rather costly, but the pile of medical bills stops growing when a patient chooses hospice. Any necessary medication, equipment, supplies and services is available at no cost through Medicare, Medicaid, military benefits and most commercial insurance policies.
Grief Support
Hospice professionals do their best to make the end-of-life experience a positive one, losing a loved one can be incredibly distressing. With that in mind, families and friends of Cincinnati patients can take advantage of grief counseling and bereavement care services, both before and after the individual passes away.
Is Now the Right Time for Hospice Care?
In our experience here at Suncrest Hospice of Cincinnati, incurably ill individuals feel good about entering hospice, as they’re able to take more pleasure in the time they have left. Families have positive feelings, too, seeing that their loved one’s needs are being fulfilled. There is a common regret, though – people often tell us that they wish they had considered hospice care sooner.
If someone you care about has been diagnosed with an incurable illness, having a conversation about hospice is a good idea. By discussing the matter now, you and your loved one will be able to make informed decisions in regards to their care and well-being. But if the conversation seems too overwhelming, the Suncrest team is here to help. In our view, the talk is too important to wait.
For more information on hospice care, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Suncrest in Cincinnati, Ohio, today.
